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City of Springfield Continues to Move Forward with Economic Development

05/22/2020

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and members of his administration continue to move forward and work on economic development opportunities. Today, city officials held a zoom conference call meeting with the new owner of the former Sears department store building, Michael Hotarek, and developers and stakeholders representing the Eastfield Mall.

Discussions were productive as both city and development officials talked about how the property can be utilized for current and future use.

Mayor Sarno stated, “Although we continue to work around the clock to defeat this COVID-19 Coronavirus, we must also continue to move on other projects that will determine our future. My administration had a great zoom meeting with the new owner of the Sears department store Mr. Michael Hotarek and I thank him for his belief and investment in our Springfield. The city is not only looking forward to working together with them on enhancing these parcels for best practice use but also to review and explore all future use potential the site might have. One thing we all agree on, this brick and motor facility will continue to be a priority for the city as we continue to dictate our own future and move forward on all of our capital and economic development projects across the city. I loved that Mr. Hotarek spoke about retail aspects. We both agreed even in these current challenging times – there is opportunity right around the corner to reinvent and reinvigorate the mall concept.”

Those in attendance include, President of Eastern Retail Properties and new owner of the former Sears department store Michael Hotarek, Michael Seeve President of Mountain Development and Owners of the Eastfield Mall, Manager of the Eastfield Mall Dave Thompson and Legal Counsel for Mountain Development and the Eastfield Mall Attorney Mary Hurley. Those on the call for the city were Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan, Deputy Director of Planning Phil Dromey, City Solicitor Attorney Ed Pikula, and Chief of Staff Tom Ashe.